Using Crystals for Divination
Divination is an ancient art that has been around as long as mankind. Crystal reading, also known as lithomancy, is a form of divination the specifically uses crystals, gems, or stones. Each stone is said to represent in crystalline form certain properties or energies. We can collect crystals and cast them in a reading, using knowledge of these properties to see patterns of energy around situations or challenges.
According to Melody, author of Love is in the Earth, “The energies of the mineral kingdom are universal energies. This is the reason that crystals and other energies are so powerful and also why their powers must only be used through the highest consciousness of the individual.” If you are called by the crystals, you are called to connect with your higher self and it’s important to set a clear intention and be spiritually fastidious in your approach.
Lithomancy has many formats. You could, for example, select thirteen stones and choose seven of them to represent heavenly bodies - Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn while the remaining six stones represent Home, Life, Love, Health, Luck and Magic. Other forms of crystal divination go with one’s sense of the crystal energy and its known properties. The possibilities are endless. What is important is to select a system – or create one – that works for you and work with it until you feel comfortable that you are connecting with the energies of the crystals.
You can turn to books or the internet to learn the metaphysical properties of your crystals. Over time a general body of knowledge has accumulated which assigns specific meanings to the energy of each one. Another great way to connect well with your crystal oracle is to consider your own associations and impressions about the crystals.
My method is a combination of both. I frequently use my knowledge of and experience with the crystals to assign meanings to them. Sometimes my interpretations of the stone coincide with the ‘classic meaning’ found online or in a crystal book and other times, it’s based on my own personal experience. I do often use thirteen crystals in the reading. If it’s a shorter reading, I will choose fewer stones but still keep an odd number. (Odd numbers move us toward change.)
Here’s a way to connect with crystals vibrationally. Start by closing your eyes and holding the crystal in your hand. Notice what comes to mind. What energy do you feel? Is it strong or gentle? Is there an emotion? Did a song or a memory pop into you head? It’s a great idea to keep a crystal journal and jot down any impressions you get from working with your crystals. This process takes some time, but it’s worth it. The stones in your oracle will have the meanings that you assign to them.
Once you have assigned meaning to your crystals, the next step is to cast them. Before doing so, you may want to perform some type of ritual or prayer, or light a candle just as you would when performing any other sort of divination. Then get clear on what you want to ask.
I also often use a dark casting cloth to allow the crystals to be clearly seen. I can see at a glance what patterns they may have formed when cast and those patterns often shape the beginning of my reading. Their shape might remind me of a house, for example, or a bouquet of flowers and my frame of reference for the divinatory meanings of each shape will form the foundation of the reading. Also, don’t forget the cardinal rule of divination – go with the first uncensored thought! These are some basic steps to get you started in your crystal divination journey. Enjoy!
